MMEA nabs tanker illegally anchoring in M'sian waters

KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a Malabo-registered vessel for anchoring illegally in east Johor waters near here.

Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria (pic) said the empty vessel was apprehended 8.4 nautical miles north-east of Tanjung Penawar at 10.55am Friday (Jan 28).

"The 39m tanker vessel was crewed by six Indonesian men aged between 25 and 58 years old who were travelling with valid documents.

"However, an inspection of the vessel's documents found that the captain had failed to produce a valid anchoring permit issued by the Marine Department," he said in a statement here Saturday (Jan 29).

He added that vessel's captain had been brought to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Office for investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which is punishable with a maximum fine of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both.

"I strongly advise ship operators to abide by the law and apply for the necessary permits before conducting activities in Malaysian waters or face stern action," he added.